Alleyway in Hanover, NH

This small alleyway in Hanover, NH is a perfect example of a public space that can be utilized to improve the surrounding area. The addition of artwork, benches, and greenery can instantly change the space, making the the alleyway more than just a passageway between a dumpster area and a shopping street. Altering this backstreet into a public space can create a safer and cleaner environment which would also bring more business to the surrounding stores. Utilizing public space can improve the already great community of Hanover, increasing connections between people and improving the overall livability of the city. 

When walking by this alleyway the first thing one notices are the tall, bare brick walls.

This intimidating feature is combined with attractive plots of greenery and shop signs down the alleyway. This backstreet already feels more inviting than a normal dark passageway, as I observed a few people using the small street to get between restaurants and the surrounding shops. This is a perfect space that can be improved upon to make it feel safer and inviting for relaxation. 

The walls can be decorated with local artists' work to brighten up the alleyway and attract people to look at the art. The mood of the public space is moldable since it is not yet used for many tasks or activities. Therefore, a variety of artwork can be placed in the space, which would be best decided by the people of Hanover. This would give them a chance to decide how they would like the space to feel. This would also bring exposure to local artists and connect people to each other through a love of art.

Lights can be used to not only make the alleyway more practically usable at all times of day but also feel safer. According to Mike Rigg's article the addition of lights to a space do not necessarily correlate to reducing crime rates, but lights would make the space feel safer. This would attract people to the space and increase community connections.

At the rear of the alleyway there are the back of a hotel and businesses. This is a similar set-up to an alleyway in Montreal, Canada. It is critical not to disregard these kinds of public spaces that can easily become places filled with trash and even crime,

which would degrade the surrounding area and cause people to feel unpleasant near their permanent or temporary dwellings. While this area in the alleyway has many signs that attempt to prevent littering, it would be better to follow the example of the Montreal alleyway, which by placing artwork of cats and pretty lights, made the space instantly more welcoming. This causes visitors to be more respectful of the public area near others' homes and businesses. Also those who stay nearby are more likely to remain in that area since their lifestyle improves from clean and deliberate public spaces. 

More alterations to this public space could be the addition of seating, plants, and even a public garden. These kinds of details would upgrade the area to a place where people could escape from the loudness of nearby street while staying close to shops and restaurants. A garden would encourage community involvement and prevent dumping of trash to the area. Eventually signs against littering would be unnecessary as respect of the space is created from the establishment of a pleasant public space. 

Many people already use this space in their daily lives, therefore it is important to improve the area to prevent pollution, crime, and a lack of business. This alleyway has the potential to be a great section of the city where people can come to relax in between shopping and eating rather than remaining an empty dumpster lot. The creation of public spaces only brings positive reinforcements to the community and the health of its citizens and businesses.